United States Legal Definition

Rum' is an alcoholic distillate from the fermentedjuice of sugar cane, sugar cane syrup, sugar cane molasses, or other sugar cane by-products, produced at less than 190 deg. proof in such manner that the distillate possesses the taste, aroma and characteristics generally attributed to rum, and bottled at not less than 80 deg. proof; and also includes mixtures solely of such distillates.

Notes on various styles

There are few rules regarding Rum production, ingredients (other than being a sugar base), flavorings or additives. This leads to a large number of styles being available.

General styles

White Rum is a clear Rum with no added colors or flavorings. It can be sold unaged or it can be aged in neutral vessels (not wooden barrels) in order to develop flavors from Esters. It can be barrel aged. If so the coloring is filtered out.